Acoustic device



May 1, 1923.

H. D. BROWN ACOUSTIC DEVICE Filed Feb. 3, 1921 WITNESSES ,4 TTOHNEYS Patented May 1, 1923.

- UNITED STATES HAROLD DAVID BROWN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

ACOUSTIC DEVICE.

Application filed February 3, 1921. Serial No. 442,244.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HAROLD DAVID BROWN, a citizen of the United States, and a resi dent of the city of New York,borough of the Bronx, county of Bronx, and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Acoustic Device, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in acoustic devices, and it pertains more particularly to auricles and the like.

The invention aims to provide a new and improved device adapted to be worn upon the person of those whose hearing is defective, for the purpose of transmitting sound Waves and vibrations to the inner ear in order to alleviate discomforts caused by defective hearing.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a device by means of which the sound waves and vibrations are intensified.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a device by means of which the sound waves are conveyed to the inner ear, and in which the vibrations of sound are transmitted to the side of the head at a point opposite the petromastoid portion of the temporal bone.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a device which may be worn by the user and which is so constructed as to be inconspicuous.

Referring to the drawings,

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the manner in which the device is worn;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the complete device attached to the ear;

Fig. 3 is a View in perspective of a portion of the device in place upon the ear, the outer portion of the device being removed;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of that portion of the device used in the ear;

Fig. 5 is a sectional View of a portion of the ear and head, showing the device attached thereto, and

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken at right angles to Fig. 5 with the exterior portion of the device removed.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the device comprises an internal member A and an external member B. The internal member A is provided around its marginal edge with a flange 10 adapted to be received beneath the helix 11 of the ear in order that the said member may be retained in operative position within the ear. The member A has a tubular extension 15 provided with an open end 16. The tubular extension 15 extends into the passage of the ear, and the opening 16 permits of the sound waves entering the passage, said passage being designated by the reference character 17. The member A is made from any suitable material, it being found that celluloid and similar materials are especially adapted for the purpose, and the member A is constructed to conform to the general contour of the ear in which it is to be used.

The member B is formed from the same material as the member A and is shaped generally to conform to the outline of the car. This member B comprises a plate-like portion 20 formed with a flange 21 cut out as indicated at 22 to provide a sound opening 23. At the rear portion of the member B, the flange 21 is provided with a right-angular flange portion 24, the thickness of which is considerably greater than the remaining walls of the device B. This thickened flange 22 is adapted to engage the side of the head at a point indicated by the reference character 25, and lies against the head at this point, which is directly opposite the petromastoid portion of the temporal bone, as indicated by the reference character 26, shown in Fig. 5.

When the device is in position as shown in Fig. 5, the sound waves enter the sound opening 23 and are conveyed to the passage 17 of the car by the portion 15 of the member A. The sound waves in contact with the exterior member B set up vibrations therein and these vibrations are conveyed through the member B to the thickened portion or flange 24, which in turn transmits them to the petromastoid portion of the temporal bone.

l t has been proven by experiment that while defective hearing is greatly improved by the use of either of the members separately, the use of both members vastly in creases the benefits derived from the use thereof.

ll claim:

1. A. device of the character described comprising means adapted to enclose the ear and having an opening therein for the admission of sound, said means having the characteristics of a diaphragm and and provided upon one side with a sound having contact-with the head ofthe wearer at opening and upon the other side with a a point behind the'ear, whereby vibrations thickened portion ada ted to' engage the are transmitted to the petromastoid portion head of the wearer at t e rear of the eat, as

5 of the temporal bone. and for the purpose set forth.

2. A device for promoting hearing comprising a member adapted to enclose the ear L HAROLD DAVID BROWN. 

